2-alarm fire displaces eight in Coatesville

COATESVILLE ­— Eight people were displaced by a 2-alarm fire that broke out in a three-story apartment building Tuesday night in the 100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue.

According to Coatesville Fire Chief Jim Lentz, firefighters were called to the area around 11:20 p.m. after receiving reports that people were trapped inside the building. Lentz said firefighters arrived within three minutes and found heavy smoke showing from both floors of the building.

Lentz said police officers quickly helped people escape from the second and third floor. He also credited the presence of smoke detectors with alerting first-floor residents, allowing them to quickly escape.

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“Working smoke detectors alerted the first floor residents averting a tragedy. The detector activations allowed two adult women and four children to escape safely. The police assisted the residents of the second and third floor apartment with evacuation,” Lentz said.

The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes, Lentz said. No injuries were reported.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting three families who were displaced by the fire.

Lentz said the cause of the fire appeared accidental. Chester County Fire Marshalls are investigating the official cause of the blaze.

The Coatesville Fire Department was assisted by the VA, Modena, Thorndale, Westwood, Sadsburyville, Downingtown, Keystone, and East Brandywine fire companies.

Lentz reminded city residents that working smoke detectors are available by contacting the fire department at 610-679-6066.